Porter-Starke Services is seeking an School-Based Support Specialist to provide interventions, referrals, and resources to elementary, middle, or high school-aged children and their families. They will work closely with teachers and school administrators serving as a resource and providing assistance with behavioral health issues, providing case management assessments, and accessing community resources for families in need.

Porter-Starke Services, Inc. is a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) based in Valparaiso and serves northwest Indiana with additional offices in Portage, Knox, and LaPorte. Porter-Starke also operates Marram Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with two offices in Gary and Hebron.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

• 401K w/ 20% company matching
• 11 paid holidays
• Competitive wages
• Generous PTO
• Employee discounts (cell phone service & YMCA)
• Employee referral program
• HSA/FSA accounts
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Tuition assistance and loan repayments
• Casual Fridays
• Company paid life insurance policy
• Company paid long term disability
• Optional insurances (short term disability)
• Employee recognition events
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free health screenings

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides interventions to students experiencing challenges that interrupt their ability to learn while in school, including case management, skills training, and crisis interventions when appropriate.
• Provides resources and referrals to families in need.
• Provides consultation to school personnel re: challenging situations and issues.
• Conducts case management assessments and facilitates access to treatment, as needed.
• Provides documentation of interventions per departmental standards.
• Initiates, monitors, and updates client's treatment plans per department standards.
• Participates in regular peer consultation to discuss cases, reflect on care provided, and offer suggestions to other school-based clinicians.
• Demonstrates a positive and respectful attitude towards school personnel and students.
• Attends staffing, clinical supervision, in-services, and staff meetings.
• Typing and basic computer usage.
• Other duties as assigned.

The staff member must demonstrate knowledge of:

• Individual, group, family, and classroom dynamics.
• Developmental theory, clinical symptoms, and interventions relevant in the school setting
• Accessing and coordinating appropriate referrals, services, and entitlements for students
• Current policies and procedures of the agency, school system, and professional standards.
• Trauma-Informed Care.
• Screening and Assessment for risk of harm to self and others.
• Signs and symptoms of psychiatric disorders.

The staff member must demonstrate skills in:

• Assessing child and adolescent behavior, providing crisis intervention as needed
• Establishing rapport with students, their families, and school personnel
• Individual and group interventions.
• Providing relevant information to school personnel to assist them in managing challenging situations and students
• Time management and productive work habits.
• Documenting interventions.
• Typing and basic computer usage.
• Advocating for client's needs.
• Group facilitation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education and/or experience required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or related human services field is required.
• Valid Driver’s License and automobile insurance.
• Related experience equal to or greater than 6 months.
• Experience in crisis intervention and working with children is preferred.

COVID-19 considerations: Per Federal CMS COVID-19 vaccine requirements, all Porter-Starke Services employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or request and be approved for a valid religious or medical exemption before they can begin employment.

Please feel free to visit www.porterstarke.org to learn more about our organization and job opportunities!